Tax and benefits

Got a letter from the Dutch tax office you don't understand?

That happens to a lot of people. These steps help you see, calmly, what the letter asks and what you can do.

What to do

1. Check who sent the letter. At the top it says Belastingdienst (tax office) or Dienst Toeslagen (benefits office). They are separate offices, each with their own letters and phone number.
2. Find out what kind of letter it is. Look for Dutch words like aanslag (tax assessment), beschikking (decision), voorschot (advance payment) or terugvordering (claim to pay back). An aanslag or beschikking is a decision. Other letters give information or ask you a question.
3. Write down the date and the reference number. They are usually at the top of the letter, next to kenmerk. You will need them when you call or write.
4. Find out what you need to do. Do you have to pay, send something, or do nothing? If there is a date, put it in your calendar straight away.
5. Ask for an explanation if it is not clear. Call the phone number in the letter. You can also get help at the Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid in your local library, or from Het Juridisch Loket (legal aid desk).
6. Keep the letter. Even if everything is correct. File it by date with your other post from the same office.

A folder that fits